Todd Bowles Seems Reluctant To Play Tristan Wirfs This Sunday
November 22nd, 2024
Gametime decision.
Though he didn’t rule Tristan Wirfs playing Sunday in the New Jersey Swamplands, Bucs coach Todd Bowles didn’t seem overly excited to get him back on the field that soon.
The All-Pro tackle sprained his knee in the second quarter against the 49ers. Fortunately, it was just a sprained MCL. So Wirfs was only going to be out a short time.
The bye, for Wirfs, came at a perfect time.
And while Bowles admitted Wirfs may play — Bowles said earlier Wirfs would be gametime decision — Bowles said today the Bucs have to factor in the big picture when deciding whether to give Wirfs the green light or not Sunday.
“We want to be smart and make sure he’s okay for the rest of the way,” Bowles said. “He’s getting a little better day by day.
“We’ll see. It’s going to go right up until Sunday for him.”
Sadly, the Bucs have painted themselves into a corner. The Bucs likely cannot lose two games the rest of the way if they hope to play meaningful games in January.
That’s what happens when you can’t win close games. That’s what happens when your defense can’t close the door. That’s what happens when your defense bends over for your opponents. That’s what happens when half of the Bucs’ six losses came on the final drive of the game.
And then there’s the ugly fact Bowles teams, whe he’s head coach, are 1-5 coming off a bye week, 0-2 with Tampa Bay.
As for defensive back Tykee Smith, who is the only Bucs player ruled out for Sunday, Bowles suggested that Smith “reaggravated” his knee, which has pushed back his return.
November 22nd, 2024 at 3:29 pm
Great (sarcasm). I was hoping Tykee would be back in the mix. That would certainly help our secondary.
November 22nd, 2024 at 3:30 pm
“That’s what happens when you can’t win close games. That’s what happens when your defense can’t close the door. That’s what happens when your defense bends over for your opponents. That’s what happens when half of the Bucs’ six losses came on the final drive of the game.”
Might I add “that is what happens when you trust your horrible defense instead of your productive offense to close out games”
November 22nd, 2024 at 3:32 pm
The Giants have a good pass rush, so a VERY long day for Skule protecting? Baker.
November 22nd, 2024 at 3:56 pm
Just because he can play doesn’t mean he should. Give Skule help with two tight end set and running back to chip. Hope Wirfs sits out. Knees are tricky. Another week rest will help.
November 22nd, 2024 at 4:05 pm
Good. Let him rest. If they can’t win against the Giants without him I don’t know what to say.
November 22nd, 2024 at 4:53 pm
It’s okay. Let him have another week to rest up.
November 22nd, 2024 at 5:00 pm
If Fameis Jameis can win in wet snow in Cleveland, Bucs can beat their two teams this Sunday. The weather in the home stadium will be a factor. Bowles: Let Tristan rest.
November 22nd, 2024 at 5:18 pm
@HomerSimpsonRocks – 100%
November 22nd, 2024 at 5:35 pm
If Bucs can’t beat giants without Wirfs and tykee pack it in you’re done for the year. Detroit absolutely destroyed Skule yet we won the game but this isn’t the week two Bucs.
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:46 am
After that disastrous Detroit game, Skule has settled into a very good tackle, and left is his better side
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:14 am
If the Bucs can’t beat the Giants without Wirfs, something’s wrong.
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:15 am
Skule is not good, probably a better 3rd string tackle. I can’t believe how difficult it is to hold (3) solid tackles on a team. I get that’s why they demand a higher price tag, but damn with all the talent in the NFL, we get a guy that “contributed” to Hendrickson having a career day at DE.
For all you saying we max protect using 2 TE sets, what offense are you running? You realize any additional blockers means Giants are holding all the cards in the secondary. Let me remind our TB faithful that this Giants team is still an NFL franchise, no matter how bad they are, their def will give us some problems and simply selling out because of a weak tackle isn’t the solution. Additionally, we have yet to show a consistent pass rush. We give Devito time and he will make plays, and somehow this fanbase will be in shocked that we didn’t blow the doors of this “terrible” Giants team? I’d feel a lot better if Wirfs was playing, but I get if we can afford him another week of rest that would benefit us long-term. Lets hope so.